Nigel Lythgoe steps down as judge on So You Think You Can Dance amid sexual assault claims
ok.co.ukNigel Lythgoe has announced he will not be returning as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance this season, after being accused of sexual assault by Paula Abdul.
Nigel, 74, had been a judge and executive producer on the US dance show since it began airing in 2005. He released a statement confirming his absence, in which he said he will now be "dedicating" his time to "clearing my name". "I have informed the producers of So You Think You Can Dance of my decision to step back from participating in this year's series," the TV producer said in his statement.
He added: "I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great programme has always been about dance and dancers, and that's where its focus needs to remain.
In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation." The 18th series of So You Think You Can Dance is set to air in March.
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